State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid on Thursday claims that the government’s proposal to raise power tariff is solely for the purpose of adjustment.
"We aren't raising the power tariff. We're just adjusting it," he said.
Nasrul said it while addressing a seminar organised by Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) on its proposal to reduce the power tariff at the Bidyut Bhaban in the city.
The seminar was organised following recent public hearings arranged by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on the government's proposals to raise the power tariff.
In the present situation, the government's target is to provide electricity to people at an affordable price, said Nasrul.
He also said CAB should directly ask BERC to reduce the tariff as they are now the ultimate authority to make any decision in this regard.
CAB Advisor Prof M Shamsul Alam made a presentation at the seminar where he claimed that the current price of electricity could be reduced by Tk 0.28 per unit if the government takes some rational measures.
According to a UNB report, he alleged that the power entities are showing artificial fund deficits to justify their proposals to hike the power tariff.
However, the regulator is yet to announce its decision on the proposals.
Prof Alam said the suggestions could be discussed in a closed-door meeting to see if they have any merit for consideration.
He also noted that efficiency should be enhanced in the power sector to reduce the production cost.
Prof Shamsul identified a number of illogical reasons that lead to the power tariff hike.
The reasons include irrationality in power purchase, purchasing fuel at a higher price for public plants, overburden manpower and irrational capacity for rental power plants.
The function was also addressed by eminent energy expert Dr M Tamim, CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince, Convener of Ganosanghati Andolon Zonayed Saki, PDB Chairman Khaled Mahmood and FERB Chairman Arun Karmaker with CAB President Ghulam Rahman in the chair.
